New Zealand's honey bee population is growing rapidly, despite recent reports of its decline, according to Apiculture New Zealand.
The industry body was responding to comments from Lincoln University that give the impression that honey bees are under threat in New Zealand.
The university said New Zealand agriculture stands to lose between $295 and $728 million each year if the local honeybee population continues its 'current decline'.
"I'm pleased to say that hive numbers are growing rapidly," said ApiNZ chief executive, Daniel Paul.
"We are nearing 700,000 hives, up from 300,000 15 years ago. Hive numbers grew by nearly 70,000 in the 2014-2015 year alone.